Skip the Chemicals with these Homemade Household Cleaners

Want a clean house but without the chemicals? More and more parents are getting wise to household pollutants and toxic chemicals that our families come into contact with on a daily basis. The good news is there are natural, safer ways to clean and sanitize without using harsh ingredients. And the absolutely easiest way to get your house sparkling, without the dangerous stuff, is to make your cleaning products yourself. Homemade household cleaners are actually easy to make – not to mention super safe and affordable.

A Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

A good all-purpose cleaning spray is a must in every home. To make one yourself, mix in 1 part water with 1 part white vinegar in a spray bottle, leaving a little room at the top. Shake well. Add in 10-12 drops of rosemary or thyme essential oils (or combine them!). Shake again to mix. This spray will help kill off bacteria, viruses, and fungus in the home... and can be used on any hard surfaces such as countertops, stovetops, and tables.

Natural All-Purpose Scrub

Looking for a way to take that caked-on spaghetti sauce off the stovetop? Look no further than this natural scrub. To make, mix baking soda and lemon or lime juice together in a bowl to form a slightly watery paste. This can be used with a scrub brush to really scour countertops, tables and other household surfaces. You can also use it brighten up tarnished silver by applying it with an old toothbrush to the items you want to polish.

Natural Mop Solution

Between the kids and the pets and all the footprints, mopping is a daily activity. Here’s a great way to do it naturally. Fill your bucket about half-full with warm water. Add several cups of white vinegar, as well as 10-12 drops of lemon or pine essential oil. You can then mop the floor as you would normally. If you worry about the acrid smell of vinegar – don’t! As the mop solution dries, the odor of the vinegar goes away but leaves the floor fresh and clean. It can also be used for linoleum or tiling.

Natural Glass Cleaner

Do you come home to dirty handprints or paw-prints your windows? There is a way to fix that problem, too. In a spray bottle, mix one part white vinegar to two parts water then add in a dash of rubbing alcohol. You can also add a few drops your favorite essential oils, if desired. Shake to mix, then use on windows to leave them naturally clear and shiny – as well as streak-free.

Tub Scrub

Tubs take a lot of cleaning to keep them from harboring bacteria. An easy way to take care of this problem is to cut a fresh grapefruit in half. Rub kosher salt heavily into the cut side of the fruit. You can then use the grapefruit half to scrub out the bathtub. The coarseness of the salt makes it easy to remove soap scum, dirt and general residue. The grapefruit’s acidity helps to clean and sanitize. The treatment will leave the tub gleaming and smelling great.

Generally, one grapefruit is enough to scrub out a single tub. This can also be used for bathroom sinks if they need extra TLC.

Grout Cleaner

If you have tiled floors in the bathroom or kitchen, you know how easily dirt can get ground into the grout – and how difficult it is to get it clean again! For a great natural grout cleaner, simply make a paste out of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (adding a few drops of essential oils, if desired) and lightly scrub with a scouring brush. This mix is very effective and because of the hydrogen peroxide, it can both clean and disinfect.

Wood Floor Polish

Do you have wood floors and want a natural way to polish them? This is an easy recipe to make and it will keep the wood nourished and in good condition – naturally. Simply mix together 1 part vinegar to one part vegetable oil and add your essential oil of choice. Put a small amount onto a clean, soft cloth and run it into the wood to keep your floor in excellent condition.

Wooden Furniture Polish

Is the dining room table looking dingy? Brighten it up with this easy and effective furniture polish. Add a few drops of lemon and lavender essential oils to a glass of warm water. Dip a dusting cloth into the mixture, wring out until it’s damp, and rub it onto the wood. It will protect your furniture and make the room smell terrific!

Homemade Laundry Soap

It probably feels like you get through a ton of laundry every week! And laundry soap isn’t only pricey, it can have a lot of additives that cause reactions in kids with sensitive skin.

Mix together 1 part shaved natural soap to 1 part Borax, then add essential oils as tolerated. It will give you fresh, clean laundry without the worry of artificial colors and perfumes.

These natural cleaners are quick and easy to make – and they save you a ton of money! You may have many of the ingredients on hand already and they’ll leave the house smelling fresh and clean, without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Do you use homemade household cleaners? Share your favorite concoctions with us!

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